Apple is planning on updating its HomePod lineup with a new high-end model slated to be released by the start of 2023, the HomePod Pod mini will also receive some upgrades in the future. In addition, the tech giant is also readying two additional new home devices.
A new high-end HomePod is set to be released in early 2023
In the latest edition of his “Power On” newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman outlined his predictions for the HomePod lineup. Gurman says that Apple has “at least four new smart home devices in its labs, but not all will see the light of the day.”
Gurman has previously reported that a third-generation HomePod is in the works. The new smart speaker, code-named B620, will feature the same S8 chip that is set to arrive in this year’s Apple Watch Series 8.
He has also revealed that the device will be closer to the original HomePod rather than the HomePod mini in terms of its size and audio performance. More upgrades include an updated display on top with “multi-touch functionality.”
In addition to this, Apple is also readying a new HomePod mini. Back in June, references to an unreleased HomePod model were discovered in the first beta of iOS 16. The unreleased HomePod is internally codenamed “AudioAccessory6”. The current HomePod mini is labeled “AudioAccessory5” and the original HomePod is “AudioAccessory1”. The new accessory is thought to be the next-generation HomePod model. The references did not include any additional details about the design or the functionality of the device.
The newsletter also references two new home products the Cupertino tech giant is working on. One is a kitchen device that combines an iPad and a speaker. The other is a living room device that combines an Apple TV, camera, and HomePod.
The living room device sounds a lot like the Apple TV, HomePod, and FaceTime combo hub that was rumored to be in development back in 2021. As per previous reports, the combined entertainment hub is meant to build upon Apple’s living room products or lack thereof.
The new home devices are set to arrive by next year or early 2024 if Apple goes through with releasing them.
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